Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

How Vitamin E In Vapes Can Harm Your Lungs–And Even Kill

How Vitamin E in Vapes Can Harm Your Lungs–And Even Kill

Vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking, but growing evidence suggests it may be far from harmless—especially when it comes to your lungs.

According to Dr. Stephen Broderick, a lung cancer surgeon at Johns Hopkins, the full impact of vaping is still not entirely understood. “With tobacco, we have six decades of studies outlining the damage it causes. But with vaping, we’re only beginning to grasp how these chemicals affect the lungs,” he says. In the last few years, Broderick has observed a notable rise in young patients experiencing vaping-related lung issues.

Vaping devices work by heating a liquid—often called vape juice—into a vapor that users inhale. While this may sound similar to how nebulizers deliver medication to people with asthma, the substances inhaled through vaping are far from medicinal.

Most e-liquids contain a mix of flavorings, nicotine or THC, and an oily base. One common component under scrutiny is vitamin E acetate. Safe in skin creams and supplements, it can irritate the lungs when inhaled and has been detected in patients with vaping-related lung damage. Other chemicals found in vape products include diacetyl (linked to a condition called popcorn lung), formaldehyde (a known toxin), and acrolein, a substance also used in weed killers.

Popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare but serious disease caused by damage to the small airways in the lungs. Diacetyl, a chemical used to enhance flavors in e-liquids, has been strongly linked to this condition. Symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, there’s no cure—only supportive treatment to manage symptoms.

Another concerning condition is lipoid pneumonia. Unlike traditional pneumonia caused by infection, this type develops when fatty substances from e-liquids enter the lungs, causing inflammation. Patients may experience coughing, breathlessness, or even cough up blood-tinged mucus. Treatment usually involves stopping vaping and providing supportive care.

A particularly alarming trend is the rise in spontaneous lung collapses among young vapers. Known as primary spontaneous pneumothorax, this occurs when air blisters at the top of the lungs rupture. Though common among tall, thin individuals, the condition is now being linked to vaping as well. Symptoms include sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing, sometimes requiring surgery or chest tube insertion.

And while there’s not yet enough data to confirm a direct link between vaping and lung cancer, doctors remain cautious. “We know inhaled particles from tobacco can cause cancer,” says Broderick. “The same might hold true for vaping.”

Even secondhand vapor isn’t safe. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just water vapor—it can contain nicotine, harmful chemicals, and ultrafine particles that pose risks to bystanders.

If you vape and experience lung pain, a persistent cough, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it. Experts advise seeking medical attention promptly and, if possible, stopping vaping altogether.

The long-term effects of vaping are still unfolding—but what we know so far is reason enough to think twice before taking that next puff.  

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Vaping is often considered a safer alternative to smoking, but growing evidence suggests it may be far from harmless—especially when it comes to your lungs.According to Dr. Stephen Broderick, a lung cancer surgeon at Johns Hopkins, the full impact of vaping is still not entirely understood. “With tobacco, we have six decades of studies outlining the damage it causes. But with vaping, we’re only beginning to grasp how these chemicals affect the lungs,” he says. In the last few years, Broderick has observed a notable rise in young patients experiencing vaping-related lung issues.Vaping devices work by heating a liquid—often called vape juice—into a vapor that users inhale. While this may sound similar to how nebulizers deliver medication to people with asthma, the substances inhaled through vaping are far from medicinal.Most e-liquids contain a mix of flavorings, nicotine or THC, and an oily base. One common component under scrutiny is vitamin E acetate. Safe in skin creams and supplements, it can irritate the lungs when inhaled and has been detected in patients with vaping-related lung damage. Other chemicals found in vape products include diacetyl (linked to a condition called popcorn lung), formaldehyde (a known toxin), and acrolein, a substance also used in weed killers.Popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare but serious disease caused by damage to the small airways in the lungs. Diacetyl, a chemical used to enhance flavors in e-liquids, has been strongly linked to this condition. Symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, there’s no cure—only supportive treatment to manage symptoms.Another concerning condition is lipoid pneumonia. Unlike traditional pneumonia caused by infection, this type develops when fatty substances from e-liquids enter the lungs, causing inflammation. Patients may experience coughing, breathlessness, or even cough up blood-tinged mucus. Treatment usually involves stopping vaping and providing supportive care.A particularly alarming trend is the rise in spontaneous lung collapses among young vapers. Known as primary spontaneous pneumothorax, this occurs when air blisters at the top of the lungs rupture. Though common among tall, thin individuals, the condition is now being linked to vaping as well. Symptoms include sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing, sometimes requiring surgery or chest tube insertion.And while there’s not yet enough data to confirm a direct link between vaping and lung cancer, doctors remain cautious. “We know inhaled particles from tobacco can cause cancer,” says Broderick. “The same might hold true for vaping.”Even secondhand vapor isn’t safe. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just water vapor—it can contain nicotine, harmful chemicals, and ultrafine particles that pose risks to bystanders.If you vape and experience lung pain, a persistent cough, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it. Experts advise seeking medical attention promptly and, if possible, stopping vaping altogether.The long-term effects of vaping are still unfolding—but what we know so far is reason enough to think twice before taking that next puff.  